Religion FAQs

Where do students from the Pfeiffer School of Religion go after graduation?

Pfeiffer is well known in the Western North Carolina United Methodist Conference for training Christian educators and youth ministers, as well as preparing future pastors for seminary. Recent graduates have gone on to do graduate level work at Emory, Duke, Yale and Princeton Theological Seminary, among others. Seminarians generally go on to be pastors or professors. Students have also gone into numerous congregational jobs as youth ministers and Christian education directors. We also have had graduates who have gone with the General Board of Global Ministries to do long-term missions in Africa, Eastern Europe and Latin America.

How many students are in the program?

Approximately 40 students are currently enrolled in the undergraduate School of Religion.

Where do students come from?

Most are from North Carolina, but we also currently have students from Arizona, Texas, New Jersey and elsewhere.

Does Pfeiffer still offer Youth Ministry and Christian Education?

Yes, Youth Ministry and Christian Education are still a major specialization of the School of Religion, but they (along with Christian Missions, and Religion) are now concentrations within the Religion and Practical Theology major. This was done for numerous reasons, but we think it will make student degrees more versatile, while still offering a concentration in the student's subject of interest.

Why is Christian Missions called Intercultural Studies?

Some students may have difficulty getting into certain countries with Christian Missions on their degree. A degree in Religion and Practical Theology with a concentration in Religion and Intercultural studies is a versatile degree that will hopefully keep student options open for international missions.

Is financial assistance available for students?

Yes, scholarships, loans and grants are available for students with under the basis of need, merit (academic, service, etc...) and athletics. United Methodist students are also eligible for UM scholarships. See financial aid for more information.

Will I have the opportunity to lead worship and be involved in campus ministry?

In addition to the above required courses for all majors, each student majoring in RAPT will complete one (1) or the following two (2) concentrations.

Concentration in Religion and Intercultural Studies (18 SH):

RAPT 310

Christianity & Culture

RAPT 334

Jesus the Servant Leader

RAPT 315

Cultural Anthropology

RAPT 473

Letters of Paul

An additional two (2) electives from among the following courses:

RAPT 330

United Methodist History, Doctrine

RAPT 470

Interpreting Bible and World

& Polity

RAPT 512

Topics in Relg. & Intercult. Studies

RAPT 410

Mission in the 21st Century

RAPT 514

Topics in Practical Theology

Concentration in Christian Education/ Age Related Ministries (18 SH):

RAPT 301

Nature & Work of Ed. Ministries

RAPT 405

Critical Issues in Practical Theology

RAPT 305

Teaching & Learning Theories

RAPT 514

Topics in Practical Theology

An (1) Additional elective from the following three (3) courses:

RAPT 460

Ministries with Children and Families

RAPT 464

Ministries with Adults

RAPT 462

Ministries with Youth

An additional elective from any RAPT course at 300 level or above

MinorReligion and Intercultural Studies (18 SH + 3 Foreign Language)

RAPT 205

Old Testament OR

RAPT 315

Cultural Anthropology

RAPT 206 New Testament

OR RAPT 310 Christianity and Culture OR

RAPT 215

World Religions

RAPT 512 Topics in Religion & Intercultural Studies

RAPT 334

Jesus the Servant Leader OR

RAPT 410

Mission in the 21st Century

RAPT 470 Interpreting Bible and World

3 SH of a foreign language or approved travel seminar

Religion and Practical Theology-Courses Offered

RAPT 201

Spiritual Formation and Faith Development

F

3 SH

By engaging in time-honored spiritual practices and learning the interconnnections of body, mind, and spirit, students grow in their spiritual formation and faith development.

RAPT 205

Old Testament

F

3 SH

An introduction to the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) and the scholarly issues most relevant to its academic study. Emphasis will be placed on both historical and theological approaches to the text.

RAPT 206

New Testament

S

3 SH

An introduction to the New Testament and the scholarly issues most relevant to its academic study. Emphasis will be placed on both historical and theological approaches to the text .

RAPT 210

Religion and Modern American Culture

F

3 SH

This course provides an introduction to religious beliefs and behaviors in the United States.While this course will look at influences from earlier centuries, the focus will be upon the last 100 years and the relationship of culture and religion in America, especially Christianity.

RAPT 215

World Religions

F

3 SH

This course introduces students to the study of the beliefs and practices of the major religions in the world. Attention will be paid to those major world religions being practiced in America.

RAPT 220

Introduction to the Study of Religion & Pract. Theology

F

3 SH

This course introduces students to the various and unique fields of Religion and Practical Theology, with focus on history of the disciplines, and contemporary methods and approaches used in Biblical Studies, Christian Education, Intercultural Studies, Religious Studies, and Youth Ministry.

RAPT 230

Vocation and Servant Leadership

S even

3 SH

How do you discern your life's path? Regardless of academic major or profession, students gain insight into leadership while exploring these and other questions from biblical, historical, spiritual, and practical perspectives. As students reflect on the lives of significant leaders in various vocations as well as interviews, and self-discovery, they will ascertain their own vocations.

RAPT 301

Nature and Work of Educational Ministry

F odd

3 SH

A comprehensive introduction to educational ministry that apprises students of the varied services required to work with people of all ages in ministry contexts across the globe. Students ascertain the history of the profession of Christian Education as well as the many skills required to work in the field. They will know the critical role that education plays in the formation and transformation of persons in their relationships with the divine and the world. Students will understand the leadership, management, organizational ,and relationship skills needed to work with volunteers, staff members, agencies, and community leaders.

RAPT 305

Teaching/ learning: Theories and Practices in Educational Ministry

S odd

3 SH

Students explore various ways that people learn and demonstrate their ability to apply appropriate teaching strategies for various learning styles. They practice creative ways to teach Scripture and other relevant content in various educational ministry settings. They demonstrate their comprehension of appropriate teaching strategies for various learning styles.

RAPT 307

Leadership and Administration in Educational Ministry

S odd

3 SH

A study of the process required for healthy, effective organization in local church Christian Education and Youth Ministry programs. Students will learn how to work with volunteers and multiple-member staffs, build and supervise budgets, and organizational management strategies useful to administering church programs.

RAPT 310 (WI)

Christianity and Culture

F odd

3 SH

This course will explore how the Christian message interacts with culture. Utilizing historical, biblical, and theological models of Christianity, the course will examine appropriate involvement of the Christian message with culture. This is a writing intensive course.

RAPT 312 (WI)

Theology and Contemporary Literature

S even

3 SH

Theological motifs, biblical themes, and images of the person used in contemporary fiction. This is a writing intensive course.

RAPT 315

Cultural Anthropology

S odd

3 SH

An introduction to Cultural Anthropology and Cross-Cultural studies. The course will introduce the participant-observer approach to ethnography as a method of the study of culture. An emphasis will be made on anthropological tools for Christian ministry in cross-cultural settings. This is a writing intensive course.

RAPT 318

History of Christianity

F even

3 SH

A survey of the history of the Christian Church, beginning with its origin in the Jesus movement of the first century and concluding with the Protestant and Catholic reformations of the 16th- 17th centuries. The thought of specific church theologians will be highlighted.

RAPT 321

Introduction to Christian Theology

F even

3 SH

A study of the sources, tasks, and methods, of Christian theology, and a review of its basic doctrines: revelation, God, Christ, Holy Spirit, sin, salvation, church, and the kingdom of God. This course is intended for majors. Prerequisites: Any RAPT course and sophomore status or higher.

RAPT 330

United Methodist History, Doctrine and Polity

F odd

3 SH

An introduction to the history, organization and beliefs of the United Methodist Church. This course is required for those seeking certification in the various certification programs of the United Methodist Church including, youth ministries, Christian education and church music. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

RAPT 334 (WI)

Jesus the Servant Leader

F even

3 SH

This course explores the life and person of Jesus of Nazareth as presented through the Gospel Narratives of the New Testament. Connected with Pfeiffer University's emphasis upon "Servant Leadership" and in dialogue with recent academic discussions about the historical Jesus and the world in which he lived, students will explore the ethically significant dimensions of Jesus' life and ministry through a combination of academic study and service learning. The goal of the course will be to lead students to a deeper understanding of the identity of Jesus of Nazareth through study and practical engagement. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: RAPT 206 or permission of the instructor.

RAPT 343 (WI)

C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien

S even

3 SH

An exploration of major prose works of each writer including essays, short stories, and novels. The course will also examine the contributions made by Lewis and Tolkien to theological, philosophical, and literary discussions in the twentieth and twenty first centuries through their writings on faith, fantasy, science fiction and mythology. Special emphasis will be given to the role of friendship in the development of the writers' works and Lewis and Tolkien's enduring place in popular culture. This is a writing intensive course. (Crosslisted as ENGL 343.)

RAPT 345

Introduction to Sports Ministry

F even

3 SH

A study of Christian American Church History with special emphasis on the current state of American Christendom. This is a service-learning course.

RAPT 350

American Christendom

S

3 SH

A study of Christian American Church History with special emphasis on the current state of American Christendom. This is a service-learning course.

RAPT 401

Foundations of Christian Worship

S even

3 SH

Students explore the meanings, history, various expressions and elements of worship, including the arts, technology, and resources for worship. The course experiences planning and leading worship.

RAPT 405

Critical Issues in Practical Theology

F odd

3 SH

In this course students continue to explore the field and methodology of Practical Theology by exploring critical issues which emerge in contemporary ministry contexts. In particular, students will explore methods for ministering effectively in diverse contexts and for addressing social justice concerns. This course will also explore an array of responses and approaches.

RAPT 410

Mission in the 21st Century

F even

3 SH

Building on the modern missionary movement, this course reflects critically on the past while building for the future through the exploration of new opportunities, trends and challenges in local, national and international mission contexts. Attention will be paid to missiological themes of the 21st century.

RAPT 424

Contemporary Theology

S odd

3 SH

This course explores theological methods, scholarship and issues which have emerged since the mid-twentieth century. This course pays particular attention to the contextual nature of theology and the implications of theological doctrines for contemporary communities. The course includes an introduction to Feminist, Womanist, Mujerista, Asian, Liberation, and Black Theologies, among others. Prerequisite: RAPT 321.

RAPT 450

Internship

F;S;SUM

3 SH

One semester of work (150 hours) in a local ministry setting which provides the student opportunities to observe and participate in the many facets of service/learning and ministries related to Religion, Christian Missions, Christian Education, or Youth Ministries. Students will focus on the specific area of ministry related to their degree. Prerequisites: Junior or Senior status or permission of instructor.

RAPT 460

Ministries with Children and Families

S odd

3 SH

This course prepares students for ministries with children and families. Students learn prevalent theories and philosophies about accompanying children, parents, siblings, and other significant mentors in their spiritual journeys. They examine resources, programs, weekday education, policies, supervision, and methodologies for effective ways that they church can meet the needs of contemporary families.

RAPT 462

Ministries with Youth

S even

3 SH

This service-learning course will examine how to carry out youth ministry in congregations. Special emphasis will be placed on the history of congregational youth ministry while considering current practices in youth ministry and the relationship between congregational youth ministry and other youth serving agencies.

RAPT 464

Ministies with Adults

S even

3 SH

This course acquaints students with theories, methods and resources for working with adults. It explores the pedagogical and theological bases for ministries with younger, middle, and older adults, and for equipping them to serve throughout their lives.

RAPT 470 (WI)

Interpreting Bible & World

S odd

3 SH

An exploration of the relationship between biblical interpretation and contemporary social issues. Special attention will be paid to the way presuppositions and life experiences influence how one understands the meaning of both biblical texts and human cultures. A service-learning component will aid students in placing the Bible in conversation with a current social issue that challenges their view of the world in which they live. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: RAPT 205 or RAPT 206 or permission of the instructor.

RAPT 473 (WI)

The Letters of Paul

F odd

3 SH

This course will study the seven major letters of Paul and the "Pauline School" that built upon Paul's legacy. It will also focus on the distinctive historical and theological components of each correspondence while also addressing the possibility of an overarching Pauline theology. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisite: RAPT 206.

RAPT 500

United Methodist General Conference

S even(every 4 yrs)

3 SH

General Conference is the governing body for all things connectional in the worldwide United Methodist denomination, including doctrine, polity, and stands on social principals. This seminar course includes two weeks intensive study off campus at General Conference where students will attend all plenaries, legislative committees, subcommittees, worship services, and other events related to General Conference. Conflicts with the final exam schedule may preclude participation in this class. Prerequisites: School of Religion major or permission of instructor.

RAPT 510

Special Topics in Religion and Practical Theology

UD

3 SH

Courses will be offered to respond to special interests or needs, as noted by the faculty or requested by students. Prerequisite: Permission of the instructor.

RAPT 512

Topics in Religion and Intercultural Studies

UD

3 SH

Each time this course is offered it will feature a special aspect either of Biblical Study or Intercultural studies such as: an in-depth look at a particular biblical book; a review of work by selected scholars; consideration of new understandings of Scripture, historical studies related to missiology, cultural anthropology, or other topics. Prerequisite: RAPT 205 or 206.

RAPT 514

Topics in Practical Theology

UD

3 SH

Courses are offered to respond to special interests or needs identified by students or faculty. Topics change accordingly. Academic credits vary according to the work required by the particular topics. Prerequisite: permission from instructor.

RAPT 550

Research in Practical Theology and Religion I

F (start 2012)

3 SH

Students engage in intensive research in a topic of personal interest. Discussions of methodology, oral presentations, peer evaluations and extensive work with primary and secondary materials prepare students 1) to write a prospectus for an article-length paper worthy of publication or presentation at an undergraduate conference; or 2) prepare a context specific field study in practical theology that could be used towards the development of a program, or published as a curriculum. Prerequisite: Senior standing or permission from instructor.

RAPT 552

Research in Practical Theory and Religion II

S

1 SH

Students complete and present an article-length paper, or field study write-up or curriculum/ program plan based on original research conducted in RAPT 550. Prerequisite: Completion of RAPT 550.

Philosophical and Christian Ethics-Courses Offered

PHIL 203 (WI)

Introduction to Philosophy

F;S

3 SH

An introduction to a range of philosophers, ancient and modern. This course will cover theories of knowledge, metaphysics, philosophy of science, ethical theory, social and political philosophy, philosophy of art, and philosophy of religion. This is a writing intensive course.

PHIL 205 (WI)

Philosophical and Christian Ethics

S

3 SH

An exploration of various theories and approaches in philosophical and Christian ethics and their application to current social issues. This course gives students a knowledge of theory and method in both philosophical and Christian ethics and assists them in developing their own analytical and critical skills in doing ethical assessment. This is a writing intensive course.

PHIL 301 (WI)

Founders of Ancient Philosophy

UD

3 SH

Readings from a selection of ancient and medieval western philosophers, namely Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, and Aquinas. this course will give students a knowledge of the philosophical thought of several philosophers and assist them in developing their own skills of philosophical reflection in dialogue with the philosophers' ideas. This is a writing intensive course.

PHIL 304

Critical Thinking

S even

3 SH

An introduction to the study and practice of reasoning. This course assists students in analyzing various types of arguments by identifying stated and unstated assumptions, evaluating the use of, recognizing the ambiguity in language, and spotty faulty reasoning.

PHIL 307 (WI)

Environmental Philosophy and Ethics

F odd

3 SH

An exploration of various ecophilosophies and how they apply to environmental issues. This course will give students a knowledge of research, environmental philosophy and assists them in developing their own analytic and critical skills for ethical assessments of environmental issues. This is a writing intensive course.

PHIL 308 (WI)

Social Justice and the Common Good

S even

3 SH

A philosophical examination of social injustice, namely racism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, and ableism, as well as a philosophical exploration of both theoretical and practical approached to social justice and the common good. This is a writing intensive course.

PHIL 317 (WI)

Christian Servant Leadership

F odd

3 SH

This course connects Pfeiffer University's emphasis on its Christian roots and servant leadership, illustrated in its vision statements. We will do an in-depth exploration of what the concept of "servant leadership" means from a Christian theological lens. This is a writing intensive course.

PHIL 327

Ethics of Globalization

F even

3 SH

An exploration of the ethical issues that arise with increasing globalization, with emphasis on economic globalization. This course will clarify what globalization is and how it is affecting communities around the world.

PHIL 598 (WI)

Special Topics in Ethics

UD

3 SH

Courses will be offered to respond to special interests or needs, as noted by the faculty or requested by students. This is a writing intensive course.